Stormont ministers meet UK chancellor in London to discuss finances
- Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers, along with Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald, are set to meet UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London to discuss financial pressures.
- The delegation aims to secure sufficient funding for public services and to reverse the chancellor's decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners.
- The meeting highlights the urgent need for a revised funding model to address the £767 million spending pressures faced by Stormont departments.
On Thursday, Northern Ireland's political leaders will travel to London for a crucial meeting with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The delegation, which includes the first and deputy first ministers and the Finance Minister, aims to address significant financial pressures impacting Stormont's budget. The ministers are particularly concerned about the need for sufficient funding to maintain adequate public services in Northern Ireland. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly emphasized that the delegation would not approach the government with a 'begging bowl' but rather with concrete plans and proposals for budget sustainability. The ministers are also expected to advocate for the reversal of recent cuts to winter fuel payments, which disproportionately affect pensioners. The urgency of the meeting is underscored by the revelation that Stormont departments are facing a £767 million shortfall, necessitating additional funding to meet operational needs. Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald has indicated that while Northern Ireland may receive approximately £500 million in extra funding from the Westminster budget, this will only partially alleviate the financial strain. The discussions will also touch on the need for a revised funding model for Northern Ireland, as highlighted by First Minister Michelle O'Neill. The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for the future of public services and financial stability in the region.